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10 Best Vacuums For Thick Carpets 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe with Large Dust Cup Capacity, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, Upholstery Tool & Crevice Tool, Blue, NV360

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,444
Suction Power
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
131799 reviews

Suction Power
The powerful suction makes it feel like the floors have never been vacuumed before, picking up everything on the first pass.
Weight and Maneuverability
This vacuum glides over carpets and laminated floors like going down a butter slide, making cleaning effortlessly smooth.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is a solid choice for anyone dealing with thick carpets, thanks to its powerful suction and adjustable height settings. It excels in deep-cleaning carpets while also being versatile enough for bare floors, thanks to its brush roll shutoff feature. This vacuum is particularly useful for pet owners, as it comes with specialized attachments that make picking up pet hair easy. The anti-allergen complete seal technology paired with a HEPA filter is a significant plus for those concerned about dust and allergens, ensuring cleaner air in your home.

One of the standout features is its lift-away functionality, which allows you to detach the pod for cleaning hard-to-reach areas like under furniture or on stairs and upholstery. This mobility is enhanced by the swivel steering, making it easier to navigate around tight spaces and furniture.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is a versatile and powerful vacuum, particularly effective for thick carpets and homes with pets, making it a worthy consideration for those in the market.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,444
Suction Power
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
131799 reviews

Suction Power
The powerful suction makes it feel like the floors have never been vacuumed before, picking up everything on the first pass.
Weight and Maneuverability
This vacuum glides over carpets and laminated floors like going down a butter slide, making cleaning effortlessly smooth.
#2

Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering, Powerful Pet Hair Pick Up, Specialized Pet Tools, Large Capacity Dirt Tank, Easy Empty

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Brush Roll Type
Filtration System

Most important from
101352 reviews

Suction Power
This vacuum has amazing suction, picking up an incredible amount of dirt and hair, even after using a previous vacuum the day before.
Brush Roll Type
The dustbin is easy to empty, and the tangle-free brush roll is a significant upgrade.
Filtration System
It includes 2 HEPA filters, making it an excellent choice for people with allergies.
Weight and Maneuverability
It's lightweight enough to carry up and down stairs, and the bin empties fairly easily.

The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum has several features that make it a strong contender for cleaning thick carpets. Its powerful suction, combined with the triple action brush roll, ensures effective removal of embedded pet hair and dirt deep within carpet fibers. The vacuum's swivel steering provides excellent maneuverability, making it easier to clean around furniture and tight spaces.

However, it lacks adjustable height settings, which could be a drawback for some users with varying carpet thicknesses. Weighing in at 12.5 pounds, it strikes a good balance between being lightweight and easy to handle, yet sturdy enough for thorough cleaning. The large capacity dirt tank and easy empty feature mean fewer interruptions during your cleaning routine.

Being bagless, it saves on the cost and hassle of replacing bags, although it may require more frequent filter cleaning. This vacuum is particularly suitable for pet owners due to its specialized pet tools and strong performance on pet hair. If you have thick carpets, especially with pets, this vacuum could be a great fit, though keep in mind the height adjustment limitation.

Rating
9.4
Suction Power
Brush Roll Type
Filtration System

Most important from
101352 reviews

Suction Power
This vacuum has amazing suction, picking up an incredible amount of dirt and hair, even after using a previous vacuum the day before.
Brush Roll Type
The dustbin is easy to empty, and the tangle-free brush roll is a significant upgrade.
Filtration System
It includes 2 HEPA filters, making it an excellent choice for people with allergies.
Weight and Maneuverability
It's lightweight enough to carry up and down stairs, and the bin empties fairly easily.
#3

Hoover PowerScrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner Machine for Carpet and Upholstery, Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampooer Machine with Multi-Purpose Tools, Powerful Suction, Includes Oxy Pet Cleaner Solution

Rating
9.2
Suction Power
Brush Roll Type

Most important from
56016 reviews

Suction Power
The strong suction power ensures carpets dry much faster than expected.
Brush Roll Type
The five rotating brushes excel at deep cleaning, even removing tough stains like pet vomit.

The Hoover Powerscrub XL Pet Carpet Cleaner is a solid choice for those dealing with thick carpets, particularly in homes with pets. Its standout feature is the five SpinScrub brushes that work at multiple angles, effectively tackling tough stains and dirt embedded in the fibers. This makes it particularly effective for deep cleaning carpets, which is essential when you have thick piles that trap dirt and pet hair.

Another strength is its HeatForce technology, which helps carpets dry faster after cleaning—a big plus if you want to minimize downtime. The included versatile tools, such as a pet tool and upholstery tool, add to its functionality, allowing you to address messes on both carpets and furniture with ease.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The 18.7-pound weight can make it somewhat cumbersome to maneuver, especially over thick carpets or when carrying it up and down stairs. While the machine is designed for effective cleaning, the 0.8-gallon water capacity may require frequent trips to refill or empty, depending on the size of the area being cleaned. Some users might find this a bit inconvenient, especially during larger cleaning jobs.

Rating
9.2
Suction Power
Brush Roll Type

Most important from
56016 reviews

Suction Power
The strong suction power ensures carpets dry much faster than expected.
Brush Roll Type
The five rotating brushes excel at deep cleaning, even removing tough stains like pet vomit.

Buying Guide for the Best Vacuums For Thick Carpets

Choosing the right vacuum for thick carpets can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your carpet. Thick carpets require vacuums with specific features to ensure effective cleaning without damaging the fibers. When selecting a vacuum, consider the following key specifications to find the best fit for your needs.
Suction PowerSuction power refers to the vacuum's ability to lift dirt and debris from the carpet. This is crucial for thick carpets as they tend to trap more dirt deep within the fibers. Suction power is often measured in watts or air watts. For thick carpets, look for vacuums with higher suction power, typically above 200 air watts. This ensures that the vacuum can effectively clean deep into the carpet pile. If you have pets or high-traffic areas, higher suction power is even more important.
Adjustable Height SettingsAdjustable height settings allow you to change the height of the vacuum's brush roll to match the thickness of your carpet. This is important because a brush roll set too low can damage the carpet fibers, while one set too high may not clean effectively. Vacuums with multiple height settings (usually ranging from low to high) are ideal for thick carpets. Choose a vacuum that allows you to easily adjust the height to find the perfect balance between effective cleaning and protecting your carpet.
Brush Roll TypeThe brush roll, or beater bar, is the part of the vacuum that agitates the carpet fibers to loosen dirt. For thick carpets, a motorized brush roll with stiff bristles is often more effective. However, it's important to have the option to turn off the brush roll or adjust its speed to prevent damage to delicate carpet fibers. Look for vacuums with a switch to turn off the brush roll or models with adjustable brush roll speeds. This flexibility allows you to tailor the vacuum's performance to your carpet type.
Filtration SystemA good filtration system is essential for trapping dust, allergens, and other particles that can be released back into the air during vacuuming. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are highly effective and can capture up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. For households with allergies or asthma, a vacuum with a HEPA filter is highly recommended. Ensure the vacuum has a sealed system to prevent dust from escaping back into the air.
Weight and ManeuverabilityThick carpets can make vacuuming more physically demanding, so the weight and maneuverability of the vacuum are important considerations. Lighter vacuums are easier to push and carry, especially if you have multiple floors. Look for vacuums with swivel steering and large wheels, which can help navigate thick carpets more easily. If you have mobility issues or a large area to clean, prioritize vacuums that are lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Bagged vs. BaglessVacuums come in bagged and bagless models, each with its own advantages. Bagged vacuums tend to hold more dirt and are less messy to empty, making them a good choice for those with allergies. Bagless vacuums, on the other hand, save you the cost of replacement bags and allow you to see when the dustbin needs emptying. Consider your preference for convenience and maintenance when choosing between bagged and bagless models.

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